2013 Toyota Ractis Review
The Ractis has proven to be a big hit in the Kenyan market thanks to its excellent fuel economy, space and affordable maintenance. It can be configured to carry passengers or luggage depending on the need, thanks to its high roof and flat fold seats. It's closely related to the Subaru Trezia and its more or less the same car with different badges. It competes locally with the Honda Fit, Nissan Note and Mazda Demio.
Detailed Review
The first generation Ractis known as NCP100 was in production from 2005 to 2010. The second generation Ractis known as NCP120 was in production from 2010 to 2016. Its production ended in 2016 and it was replaced by the Toyota Roomy/Toyota Tank.
The 2013 Toyota Ractis is available with 2 engine options, these are a 1.3L 1NR-FKE engine and a 1.5L 1NZ-FE engine. These are linked to a Super CVT-i transmission and available in 2WD and 4WD(1.5L engine only)
2013 Toyota Ractis Grades
1. Toyota Ractis X – This is the base grade that comes either the 1.3L or 1.5L engine, 2WD/4WD and steel rims
2. Toyota Ractis G – This is a fully equipped grade that comes either the 1.3L or 1.5L engine, 2WD/4WD, alloy rims and fog lights
3. Toyota Ractis S – This is sports grade that comes the 1.5L engine, 2WD, alloy rims, fog lights and paddle-shift.
Interior
Legroom & Space
The Toyota Ractis is a spacious and roomy hatchback thanks to its high roof and flat floor. The seats are set at an elevated position which makes for a natural seating position and an excellent view of the road. It has excellent legroom and can comfortably accommodate tall passengers
Cabin Storage
The 2013 Toyota Ractis has clever cabin storage compartments that are useful for storing items such as smartphones, beverages, goggles, handbags etc. For the 1st row, there 4 cup/bottle holders, door panel storage , storage spaces below the dashboard, a glovebox and the center-box. For the second row, the storage is on the door pockets.
2013 Toyota Ractis Boot Space
This has got to be the largest boot we’ve seen on a small hatchback. At 429Litres of boot space, the Toyota Ractis scores highly in this regard. When extra space is required, the rear seats can fold flat to create a large boot. In this configuration, the Ractis is transformed into a mini-van. Its not hard to see why the Ractis has become so popular with business people.
Other Extras: CD/Radio player, Navigation(Optional), Smart-Start, 6 Airbags, Alloy Rims, Fog Lights
Exterior
The exterior is more angular than the predecessor with projector LED headlamps at the front and a flat rear with crystal LED taillights.
2013 Toyota Ractis Fuel Consumption
2013 Toyota Ractis 1.3L Fuel Consumption: 21.8 km/L
2013 Toyota Ractis 1.5L Fuel Consumption: 15.6 km/L
2013 Toyota Ractis Acceleration
2013 Toyota Ractis 1.3L accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 12.3 sec.
2013 Toyota Ractis 1.5L accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 11.2 sec.
2013 Toyota Ractis Fuel Tank Capacity: 42Litres
2013 Toyota Ractis Ground Clearance
The 2013 Toyota Ractis has a ground clearance of 5.7 Inches(145mm). This is a low car by Kenyan standards and will not clear some speed bumps. It might be necessary to modify the ground clearance to adjust the car to Kenyan standards. Read our guidelines here on how to safely increase a vehicle’s ground clearance.
2013 Toyota Ractis Stability and Handling
At moderate speeds, the Toyota Ractis feels stable and sure footed. However at higher speeds, there is evidently some understeer around corners. For normal driving, this should not be a problem but for enthusiastic drivers, caution is given. We found the 1.3L engine to be underpowered and struggles to accelerate under full load. It is ideal for light, urban use and in conditions where speed and power are not a priority. For long distance travel and heavy loading, the 1.5L is much more preferable.
Service Intervals
Minor Service: Done at 5,000 km. Requires Air Cleaner, Oil Filter, and Engine Oil
Major Service: Done at 10,000km. Requires Air Cleaner, Oil Filter, Fuel Filter, ATF Filter, Cabin Filter, Plugs, Front Brake Pads, ATF Oil, and Engine Oil
Spare Parts Availability, Cost & Where to buy
As we mentioned earlier, the Ractis is built on the Vitz platform and they share many parts except body parts. Service parts, engine parts and suspension parts are widely available in Kenya at affordable prices. Body parts are slightly expensive and not as widely available. We visited several Toyota spare shops in Nairobi and we were able to quickly find the parts we wanted. For a list of these shops follow this link
2013 Toyota Ractis Reliability
The driving conditions in Kenya are significantly different from those in Japan and Europe. Reviews done for those markets largely do not apply to the Kenyan market. There are differences in roads, fuel, climate, spares, and technical expertise. To give you accurate and reliable local insights, we interview experts such as mechanics and car dealers, who have in-depth knowledge of the Kenyan market. We also test the cars ourselves. Our aim is to give you the right information to enable you make an informed decision when buying a car.
The 2013 Toyota Ractis is a reliable car with no major problems reported. The engines are the same as those in the Toyota Vitz and they are known to be reliable. However, there’s a concern around the CVT gearbox that is known to be sensitive. Use of bad quality transmission fluid and irregular service are not recommended as they will lead to transmission failure. There have been reports of electrical failure and engine problems after high pressure engine wash. Caution is advised against high pressure wash in the engine bay. This should be avoided or minimized.
Always follow the recommended guidelines as per the Owner’s manual. To download the 2013 Toyota Ractis Owner’s Manual click here
Resale Value: Good
Toyota Ractis Competitors: Mazda Demio, Nissan Note, Honda Fit,
Cost of Ownership
Purchase Price: From Ksh.700,000
Comprehensive Insurance: Average Ksh. 60,000/ per annum- Or
3rd Party Insurance: Ksh. 7,000/- per annum
Change of Tyres(If neccessary) Ksh. 25,000/- for 4 Tyres
See Latest Toyota Ractis Prices here
What we like about the 2013 Toyota Ractis
1. Spacious and roomy Interior
2. Good fuel economy
Conclusion
The 2013 Toyota Ractis is a practical car that is ideal for people who value functionality and fuel economy. Due to its strong demand, the prices have been going through the roof lately as dealers cash in.
Where To Buy the Toyota Ractis in Kenya
If you are looking to either import or buy the Toyota Ractis locally, we can help you with this process. Over the years, we have developed a network of trusted dealers both in Kenya and Japan who supply us with exceptional cars. Simply call us or send us a message through our contacts below and we’ll get you the right car at the right price.
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